100 Free Things to Do in L.A.

Griffith Observatory is one of the 100 free things you can do in Los Angeles while attending the AARP Life@50+ National Event & Expo in September. — Eddie Brady/Lonely Planet Images

Free activities here and free activities there! Wherever you look, LA's got your budget covered. The first installment of 100 free things to do in Los Angeles is to get out there and do stuff. So what are you waiting for?

1. Cruise Mulholland Drive: One of the world's most famous scenic drives, Mulholland winds from the Hollywood Hills across the spine of the Santa Monica Mountains west to the Pacific Ocean (almost). More details.

2. Check out the PCH: The Pacific Coast Highway is a sun-drenched road that hugs the coastline and is undoubtedly one of LA's signature drives. More details.

4. Step into Hollywood history: The forecourt of Grauman's Chinese Theatre has been one of the most popular free attractions since the 1920s when, during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's "King of Kings," actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement.

5. Get photographed with Samuel L. Jackson: Speaking of Grauman's, now that Madame Tussauds Hollywood is open, you can sidle up to the man himself, sling an arm around him and get your photo taken — your friends back home will never know that it's Jackson's wax figure.

6. Walk the walk in Venice: The most amazing street entertainers in the world are here — chainsaw jugglers, swamis on rollerblades, street dancers ... you name it. Get the local's perspective on Venice.

7. Window shop Rodeo Drive: Treasure hunt and star gaze along famed Rodeo (pronounced "row-day-o") Drive in Beverly Hills, home of the rich and super rich. See other shopping neighborhoods in LA.

8. Watch TV live: Be a part of a studio audience on your favorite television shows and game shows such as "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance. Get on a game show.

9. Treepeople: This LA-based nonprofit organization has helped spearhead the ecotourism industry by offering numerous opportunities for visitors to volunteer. For more than 30 years, Treepeople has helped plant and care for trees while educating people about the environment.

10. Tour Downtown: Downtown LA has so many free cultural sites, it's become one of the best places to sightsee for free. See what's available.

12. Star gaze at Griffith Observatory: The exhibitions and displays found in the painstakingly renovated Griffith Park hot spot are all free, as is an introductory video about the building and its contents.

13. Visit Kat Von D's "LA Ink" tattoo shop: At the shop, which operates under the name High Voltage Tattoo, there's never a lull. Fans of the show pop in regularly, entering the store just to see where the show takes place and to find show merchandise to buy. Learn more about reality TV sightseeing.

15. Dance, dance, dance: You don't always have to pay a cover charge to get into LA's dance scene. Great clubs without covers can be found in most neighborhoods with a little poking around. Check out the hottest nightlife haunts.

16. Explore Exposition Park: Five major attractions within walking distance of each other is a rare occurrence in LA, so take advantage of the USC/Exposition Park area with this walking tour.